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Author
Topic: Just a question (Read 9908 times)

I am an Indian 24 yo male student in Boston. I wanted your expert opinion in y situation.I had a protected sexual encounter with a female sex worker. I didn't see any breakage in the condom nor did it slip. However, I was terrified for reasons unknown to me. Maybe because it was my first time or probably I had an encounter with a sex worker.I got a six quick rapid test at a walk-in clinic and it was negative. I also had a PCR by DNA at 50th day after the encounter which was also negative(thank god). Finally I got an antibody test done from Labcorp for both HIV 1&2 after 60 days. Do I need any more tests. I mean should I go with the conservative mark of testing at 13 weeks or can I put an end.I really appreciate the service you are doing to the needy and worried people.

You are hiv negative. Protected intercourse is just that - protected. Condoms have been proven to prevent hiv transmission. You do not need further testing over this incident.

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL STIs together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Sex with a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results. Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Keep using those condoms correctly and consistently and you will avoid hiv infection.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Dear Ann, Thanks for the reply.Beleive me I will never ever indulge in any sexual acts until I get married. I am only praying that I should come out of this incident safely. I beleive I am safe(Gods grace).

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

You are hiv negative. Protected intercourse is just that - protected. Condoms have been proven to prevent hiv transmission. You do not need further testing over this incident.

There have been long-term studies of couples where one is positive and one is negative. In the couples who used condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, but no barrier for oral activities, not one of the negative partners became infected with hiv. Not one. This shows us two things. One, condoms are very effective for the prevention of hiv transmission. Two, oral sex is much lower risk than previously believed. We now have the evidence that oral sex (giving a blowjob - getting a blowjob isn't a risk and neither is cunnilingus) is a very low risk activity where hiv transmission is concerned.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

You are really sweet and kind Ann.Btw, I saw your blogs. You seem to be a very positive person in life. I need to learn from people like you.One thing that I fail to understand is in many such forums. There are people who are matured, educated and why do they behave irrationally at times(esp I see wrt to diseases like HIV). I know I also belong to that sect of people. But, in my case I really feel its valid as in my country we are not given any good info on sexual practices. They consider it as something like a Taboo. I never had sex before this encounter and never knew how to use condoms and never wanted to do it. It all just happened. So, I freaked out if I have used the condom properly or no.I will really appreciate your comments on this. Everyones comments are welcome though.

Your attention is turned in the wrong direction. You were never at risk to begin with in relation to the incident which first brought you here. So it's no surprise that you tested negative each time you (totally unnecessarily) tested.

The PCR was never designed to be a diagnostic test. Because of its high level of sensitively it can sometimes yield a false positive, but not a false negative.

You don't have any need for further testing. The real issue is what's going on with you that you are insisting you were at risk when you weren't. This is all about feelings and not facts based in HIV science. If you can't let go of this concern I suggest you see a counselor at your school or other professional to help you sort out what's really going on.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

I just wanted to ask a real quick question.I was reading other posts and I see many times Andy, Rapid, Ann and othes have told that CDC have changed the new guidelines to 3 months when compared to the old 6 month windiw. Can someone point me to the CDC webpage which says so.

You might be knowing that I had already posted with a low risk exposure. One time protected sex with a sex worker and got the following tests done which were all negative(God's grace).

6 week rapid test50th day PCR DNA60 days antibody test.

I am not worried that I have something and will never do such thing until I am married. I feel bad that I have done a mistake and secondly I am scared that suddenly one fine day in my life if I get to know that I am infected. I know that its not possible until I do something risky again(Which I will not). Only thing that worries me most is that my encounter was with a sex worker.

The fact that you tested negative and will continue to test negative has NOTHING to do with God's grace and everything to do with the fact that you used a condom. Condoms have been PROVEN to prevent hiv infection. You didn't have a LOW risk, you had NO risk.

It doesn't matter who you have intercourse with, whether it's a sex worker or the woman you plan to marry. You MUST use condoms and condoms do work no matter who you are with. It's not just sex workers who might be infected, it could be ANYONE. It's not who you have sex with, it's how you do it and you did the right thing and used a condom.

You didn't have a risk and you have negative results to back that up. It's time you moved on with your life. If you cannot do so, please seek the help a of a mental health care professional to help you get over your feelings of guilt and anxiety. We cannot do that for you here.

You had no risk, you are hiv negative and there is nothing more we can do for you here.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

If you're worried about your body, go get a complete physical and a complete sexual health care check up. While you're seeing your doctor, you might want to ask for a referral to a counselor to help you work through those feelings of guilt that have accompanied your completely normal sexual urges.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

I have already had all the tests done and will be repeating the syphylys test after three months. I am only concerned about HIV.I just want to know when can I be 100% sure that I am HIV free. I don't mean to say that I don't beleive that I am fine now. I really know that I had a safe sex and also several tests done. But this window period thing is still in my mind. Please help.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Just take the ELISA test and save yourself the money on the PCR test. A three month test is conclusive. Why are you testing? You didn't have a risk.

Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

You guys may be remembering me. i had a protected one time sex with a sex worker. The condom was intact.I spoke to a infectious diseases doctor and presented my test history. 6 week antibody negative, 50 days pcr dna negative, 60 days antibody negative.She said the tests are reassuring but the protocol is 6 weeks, 3 months & 6 months.Now with all such cunfusing opinions how do I rest in peace?

PS: With due respect to all your words I have sceduled an appointment with a mental counsellor.

Talking with a mental health counselor is an excellent idea. Hopefully that will help you to sort out the unwarranted fears you have about your incident.

And we totally disagree with the counselor who said to test out to six months. The CDC is quite conservative about this issue and has long advocated 3 months as a reliable testing point. However long you test out to I'm confident the results are going to be the same: HIV negative.

I am really feeling better of course there is little anxiety. I think time will take its turn. Next week I will reach the three month mark. I need all your prayes and wishes for the same. I don't want to repeat my protected sex story and the testing history. Also, I want to appologize to some of you who were really pissed of by my repeat questions.

The last three months were really hell and my routime has totally changed I really want to get the things back. I know its difficult but I will definately put my sincere efforts.

There was just a thought in my mind today when I was returing from office which I would like to share. Most people here are not ready to listen to their doctors I beleive most have visited specialists. If the internet were not to exist then it would have been so simple. We would have bound to listen to the doctors. The mistake we all did I guess for googling things out. So one leaf which I have taken out of here is never ever rely on internet for medical problems. They just make the matter worst esp when the person is a weak minded like me.

I kno this is redundadnt.I have decided not to test anymore. I just need all you guys opinion. I have so many good things going on in my life. I don't want to live in fear anymore. I would need your honest opinion based on my situation before I take on. I assure you that if you guys ask me to test further I ill not get tensed and orry abt it but will do it when the time comes.

Please let me know.

You all are really good people working for a good cause. I would really appreciate if you wanna give any advice to me.

I am really ashamed while writing this.Last week I went to a message parlour. Here is wat happened. I did npt touch her at all. She wanted to mastrubate me and stroked my penis once or twice. i stopped her and told her I do not need her to do that. Then she got naked and rubbed her vagina with her fingures.

I was just watching her.

Then I started mastrubating myself. At the end she just touched my balls(scrotum) once.I really do not want to say that I lapsed as I had no intentions of any sexual encounter nor I think I did anything risky. But I want you guys to see if something went wrong here.I really do not want to go back to the old scary days.....................

I did not touch her vagina from my hands at all. Nor I was expecting her to touch my parts. But at the end she happen to touch(Caress) my balls.

Your anxiety and guilt about sexual acts have nothing to do with HIV risk. You already know that. Just as you know we aren't going to tell you anything different than we have already about these no-risk situations.

Either keep your pants zipped up or start dealing with your feelings about your sexuality in the proper professional setting. That's a service we cannot provide for you here.